My CEO 143

143 Ducks In A Row (Judy)

I've managed to smuggle an untraceable phone into Ashlyn's facility, ensuring we can stay in touch. I mean, the poor girl, she needs someone who cares. Her mother has written her off completely now.

It's only right that I should visit. There's no trouble bribing half the staff to turn a blind eye to Ashlyn using a phone in her bathroom. She contacts me when she can. Later this will come in handy. For now, I'm just pretending I care about Ashlyn. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes.

A: I'll do anything for Jayden

J: I know you truly love him.

A: I'm sorry I hurt him

1. He's okay now

A: But he's with her

J: Time will fix it all. Trust me

The irony isn't lost on me. Ashlyn's obsession with my son is both her greatest strength and her ultimate weakness. As long as she believes she's doing this for him, she'll follow my lead.

I delete each text right away, ensuring there's no trace of our communication.

I pour myself a glass of wine and sink into my favorite armchair. The plan is working. Slowly but surely, I'm regaining control. Winona will slip up, and when she does, I'll be there.

To take Abby and Jayden back where they belong. With me.

I think back to the day of the shooting. I told Ashlyn where Winona would be, knowing she had a gun. I didn't anticipate Jayden's heroic act, but in the end, it worked out. He survived, and now I have another chance to remove Winona from our lives for good. No more attempts at her life though. I've learned that lesson now. As I sit there, savoring my impending victory, my phone buzzes again.

A: When will I see Jayden like you promised?

bay is part of the

Ashlyn. We need to get our ducks in

just another pawn in my game. And I always win. The satisfaction

silent toast to the future. A future

ever wanted.

door. It's Gus. He's taking me to dinner. I set my glass down and walk to the door. I've given the staff the night off in case I

find him standing there with that usual

lu &

+25 BONUS

he says, stepping Inside.

lead him into the living room. "I was born

"I know you're up to something. I can feel it. And I'm going to find out what it

"Gus, I'm not up to anything. I'm just trying to make things. right with

narrows his eyes. "You expect me to believe

what you want, Gus. I'm

steps closer, his voice lowering. "You forget, Judy, I know you. I've seen you at your worst. I know

call off the whole thing with the accident, he

a step back, softening my expression. "I just want to be a part of Jayden's life. To see him happy, to spend time with Abby. And who knows, maybe I can

talked about, you

a little, I will consider

but I see a flicker of hope in his eyes. He's wanted to bring me to Europe for years. Maybe giving Gus what he wants is the way to get Jayden to be more reasonable about my mistake. I mean, if I leave the country, Jayden will see I'm

Judy. But I'm watching you. Don't think for a second that I won't find out if you're up to

Because if you're not, it's going to come back to haunt you.' I sit down across from him, feeling a surge of

watch. "There's a new restaurant in the

Let me grab

"Gus, I really do want to make

"Alright, Judy. I'll talk to Jayden. But you better not make

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